A BASINGSTOKE man, who has witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has decided to give something back to the charities that have helped his loved ones.

Ben Service lost an aunt to the incurable disease, which attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.

The 27-year-old lost his aunt Margaret Wells in 2007, just months before her granddaughter Madison was born.

He said: “It was horrific. When my aunt died, my cousin, Stacey Wells, was pregnant at the time.

“Margaret died in May and Madison was born in October so she didn’t get to meet her nan.”

Ben is now organising a disco to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and St Michael’s Hospice, in Basingstoke, where his aunt spent her final days.

His fundraiser comes just months after his friend, Craig Barker, lost his mother, Barbara, to MND in September, aged just 49.

Ben, an account manager, from Black Dam, said: “The Ice Bucket Challenge created a lot of awareness of MND so I thought I would strike while the iron is hot.”

The disco will be held at The Kestrel pub, in Kempshott, on Saturday, December 13 from 7.30pm until 11pm.

There will be a free buffet and a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, to help raise funds.

Anyone wishing to donate a raffle prize can contact Ben at benservice@live.co.uk.

Those attending will be asked to donate to the two charities on the door.